Deuteronomy 34: Final Lessons from the Book of Deuteronomy

Introduction: The final Chapter of Deuteronomy records Moses’ death. By Jewish tradition, Joshua is believed to have penned the final words of this book. This postscript to Moses’ final address to the Jews on the edge of the Promised Land uses symbolism to summarize many of the themes of Deuteronomy. The final chapter concludes with six lessons about life under the Law. A final lesson comes from the allusions to a future New Covenant between God and His people.

First, from God’s final statements in showing the Promised Land to Moses, God demonstrated that He is faithful to keep His promises. While the world can at times seem hopeless, believers can always have faith in God’s Promises. Second, from Moses’ death outside the Promised Land, God symbolically showed that the Law by itself won’t bring you to the eternal Promised Land. Third, from the symbolism behind Moses’ hidden grave site, God shows that He wants you to hide His Law in your heart. Fourth, from Moses’ good health up until his death at age 120, God also shows that obedience to the Law can bring the blessings of a prolonged and healthy life. Fifth, from God’s instructions to the people to follow Joshua, He instructs that believers should listen to and obey His appointed leaders. Sixth, from Joshua’s statement that Moses was unique amongst the human prophets in knowing God “face to face”, God instructs believers to listen to and obey the Law given through Moses. Finally, God previously promised that He would raise a future leader like Moses who would know God “face to face.” This was a foreshadow of Christ. Christ was God incarnate who allows all to know God “face to face.” Jesus called upon His believers to show their love for Him by obeying His Commandments.

1. God is Faithful to Keep His Promises. Dt. 34:1-4.

2. The Law By Itself Won’t Bring You to the Eternal Promised Land. Dt. 34:4(b).

3. Hide God’s Law in Your Heart. Dt. 34:5-6.

Moses’ body was hidden1

4. Faith-led Obedience to the Law Can Bring Certain Conditional Blessings. Dt. 34:7-8.

5. Listen to and Obey God’s Appointed Leaders. Dt. 34:9.

6. Listen and Obey God’s Words Given Through His Prophet Moses. Dt. 34:10-12.

Luca Signorelli (1450-1523) “Last Acts and Death of Moses”2

7. Listen and Obey Jesus’ Ten Commandments.